18×14 Standard Screen vs 20×20 No-See-Um Screen
By Gian Nicolo, Owner, Screening DunRite
Choosing screen mesh is one of the most common questions we get on rescreening jobs. 18×14 standard screen and 20×20 no-see-um screen look similar from a distance, but the hole size makes a real difference for bugs — especially near the Gulf and in shaded, tree-covered yards.
18×14 standard screen
- Mesh count: 18 strands per inch vertically, 14 horizontally
- Best for: Most pool cages — good airflow, clear views, strong value
- Blocks: Typical flies, mosquitoes, and wasps
- Trade-off: Smaller biting insects (sand flies, no-see-ums) can pass through
20×20 no-see-um screen
- Mesh count: 20 strands per inch in both directions — a tighter weave
- Best for: Waterfront homes, canal lots, and enclosures where midges are a nuisance
- Blocks: Sand flies, no-see-ums, and other tiny insects standard mesh misses
- Trade-off: Slightly less airflow and a softer view than 18×14
Which should you choose?
Start with 18×14 if insects have never been a problem. Choose 20×20 no-see-um if you have been bitten on the lanai, see clouds of tiny bugs at dusk, or live within a few miles of the coast.
We install both with proper spline tension so panels stay tight for years. Book a free quote or call 727-645-9575 to discuss mesh options for your enclosure.
Need pool-cage-rescreening in Port Richey? Call Screening Dunrite at 727-645-9575 or request a free estimate.